James Wade determined to bounce back after turbulent 2017

James Wade says he needs to establish a greater work–life balance in order to recapture his best form in major tournaments this season.

The multiple major champion endured a difficult 2017, reaching just one major ranking Quarter-Final and suffering First Round exits in both the World Matchplay and World Championship.

Wade, however, ended the campaign in ninth position on the PDC Order of Merit, but is now facing a potentially pivotal year in his career as he aims to avert a tumble down the rankings.

Wade is defending 69 per cent of his total prize money on the two-year Order of Merit in 2018, which is largely derived from his run to the final of the Grand Slam and Semi-Finals of the European Championship in 2016.

The left-hander has opened up about a testing period both on and off the oche last year, admitting: "Last year I dreaded every tournament I went to because me and my wife were going through personal circumstances.

"We didn't spend any time together, it was chaos and all over the place.

"This year, I believe we've ticked a few boxes and a lot of the headache has eased behind us.

"There's still a long road for me and my wife and things around us, but we're looking forward to it."

Wade began the new season with a 10-8 victory over Simon Whitlock at the Unibet Masters, before going down 10-2 to eventual champion Michael van Gerwen in the Quarter-Finals.

A former Premier League champion, 'The Machine' has been left out of this year's Premier League line-up but says he is looking forward to the season ahead and will pick and choose his playing schedule.

"There's a lot of open boxes, open questions and I'm looking forward to it," he added.

"I will do enough for me and my wife to live a nice life - we need to spend time together.

"I've really missed her support and having someone on my shoulder.

"I thought I could do it without her there, and that was our plan this year, but it's going to completely change because I can't be here on my own.

"This year, we'll spend some time together, enjoy ourselves and this year I've promised her a holiday."